How to Improve Heart Health for American Heart Month

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle during American Heart Month.

During February, we not only have Valentine’s Day hearts on our mind, but it’s also a time where we can observe American Heart Month. The heart is the all-important muscle that is constantly working to pump blood to all of our organs, muscles, and tissues throughout our lifetime. Without it, we wouldn’t be alive. For this reason, it’s well-worth taking good care of it.

Exercise to support your heart.

Move more! Exercise can help your heart. Exercising at an intensity that is just below your target heart rate is healthier for your heart since it is less likely to cause scarring of the heart muscles like hard exercise may do over time.

Eat heart-healthy foods.

Certain foods are good for your heart since they contain healthy fats as well as fiber, vitamins, and minerals that are protective and can help to keep its tissues healthy.

Add more of the following goods to your eating plan:

Oatmeal

Brown rice

Black beans

Pinto beans

Nuts

Seeds

Many (if not most!) fruit and vegetables are also good for your heart, such as:

Blueberries

Tomatoes

Broccoli

Spinach

Asparagus

Orange fruits and vegetables

Get the right amount of sleep.

Researchers recommend that you get between six and eight hours of sleep per night. This is the optimal amount for heart health. You’ll want to get enough rest to feel refreshed and ready for the next day. Getting into a regular sleeping schedule can help to achieve this.

Get outside more!

Stress can be bad for your heart, putting unnecessary pressure on it. Spending time outdoors is a natural way to combat it. Go for a walk or sit down on a bench and appreciate nature in its true form – It all counts as being good for your heart!

Let us know how you are helping your heart this American Heart Month! Contact the professionals at Tompkins Insurance Agencies for help securing your insurance policies.